What is a McKenzie friend?

Ok well some call us pretend wannabe lawyers, others call us lay advocates. We are just people who know more about the legal system than most and can help. There is a load of history dating back to the term to 1970 but if you are really that interested, look at this https://swarb.co.uk/mckenzie-v-mckenzie-CA-10-Jul-1970/

What do you do?

Help people through the family court

Why do you do it?

Coz I’ve been there myself and understand how intimidating and lonely it can feel in a courtroom

Do you enjoy your job?

Not really. It is a huge anticlimax. Most of the time I feel sad that Court action is needed to determine the best for a child

Strangest situation?

Farting as I stood up to address a HHJ in Manchester

Any opponents you would like to be put in a boxing ring with?

Yeah, a little Mummy’s boy at Sessions House in Preston who looked like somebody should take him his carton of milk at the interval

Best line heard in Court?

“Ma’am you may well have been a judge for 20 years but I have been a fisherman for 20 years and I am still shit”

Do you get involved with closed conversations between parties?

Sometimes yes, I am required to. In some cases representation talk to me ahead of my client which is a bit weird but I sit, nod and then raise my points

Given that everybody in a court trial is likely to lie, do you believe everyone you speak to?

I try to but on 2 occasions it was too obvious they were lying

Celeb clients?

Only 2 real celeb clients but a further meeting with another

Best part of the job?

Getting home after I have helped parents sort out problems, having a bath, putting a brew on the side and knowing that I have been a tiny part of that

Are you better than a solicitor?

No. I do not have a law degree, I am not professionally trained but what I lack in wisdom I try to make up for by being at the end of a phone all the time

Biggest issue?

Trying to stay solvent while keeping this going

Worst case?

My own a few years ago. I am able to detach emotionally from other people’s cases and adapt a more professional head. In my own case it was different. It was also early doors for me when that happened but I hope I would be better equipped should there be a next time.

Funniest Story?

Finding out I dated one of the Cafcass workers in a case against me about a minute before we went in to Court. We split up the day before. There was a clear line of flirtation when I cross examined her. In fact, I was gutted about her…she was mint

I am now offering this open for questions for the next blogpost, please be kind!